Moacyr
Moacyr Origin and Meaning
Not as popular as the original Moacir, but still familiar and well-established, Moacyr derives from the Indigenous Tupi–Guarani language, and likely gained attention due to its use in the classic 1865 novel, Iracema by José de Alencar. The novel tells the story of a relationship between an indigenous woman and a Portuguese colonist and has been adapted several times into film, notably in 1917 and 1949 which led to an increase in its use in Brazil.
Adapted from the word moasy meaning "pain, regret", Moacyr can mean "son of pain", which, in the novel Iracema is in reference to the difficult childbirth experienced by the titular character. While this meaning may feel off-putting to some, it could also be interpreted as the son being a reward after a struggle.
Alternatively, it may be considered alongside Delores, Tristan, Bronagh, and Calvin: familiar names whose sounds and associations balance out their perhaps less that cheerful meanings.
The Moacir form was hugely popular in Brazil from the 1930s to the 1960s when it began to decline in use, though it still ranked in the Top 1000 in the most recent stats. It has been notably borne by footballers Moacir Nascimento "Barbosa", Moacir da Silva, and Moacyr Filho, along with writer Moacyr Scliar, archbishop Moacyr José Vitti, and musician and composer Moacir Santos.